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FLAWED FINDINGS: REFUTING THE IOM'S LATEST VACCINES & AUTISM REPORT

Washington, D.C. - Chairman Dan Burton (R-IN) announced today that he will hold a joint press conference with Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA), Congressman Dave Weldon (R-FL), Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Dr. Boyd Haley, Dr. Robert Nash, and Mr. David Geier to refute the findings published in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Immunization Safety Review Committee's report of May 18th, entitled Vaccines and Autism.

WHO:
Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), Chairman House Government Reform Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness
Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA), Ranking Minority Member House Government Reform Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness
Congressman Dave Weldon, MD (R-FL)
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Dr. Boyd Haley, PhD Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry University of Kentucky
Dr. Robert A. Nash, MD Chairman American Board of Clinical Medal Toxicology (ABCMT)
Mr. David A. Geier Representative, Med Con Inc.

WHAT:
Press Conference: Refuting the IOM's Latest Vaccines & Autism Report

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 2, 2004, starting at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Cannon Terrace

"Unfortunately, I believe the findings announced in the May 18th IOM report are heavily biased, and unrepresentative of all the available scientific and medical research," stated Chairman Burton. "I think it is highly irresponsible for the IOM Immunization Safety Review Committee to purport definitive findings to the American public, which are based on selective scientific studies that are greatly flawed to begin with."

Congresswoman Watson stated, "Just because there is not a preponderance of scientific proof, does not mean that we should discontinue investigations into the effects of mercury containing thimerosal. Unbiased researchers are continuing to produce results that challenge the IOM findings." The Congresswoman further noted that, "The IOM did not make the statement that mercury injected into the body is helpful. Mercury is mercury, and it is a neuro-toxic substance (among other bad things) - name one beneficial use in the human body."

Said Congressman Weldon, "The IOM report is premature, perhaps perilously reliant on epidemiology, based on preliminary incomplete information, and may ultimately be repudiated. This report will not deter me from my commitment to seeing that this is fully investigated, nor will it put to rest the concerns of parents who believe their children were harmed by mercury-containing vaccines or the MMR vaccine."

The recently released IOM report is the eighth and final in a series designed to examine the safety of vaccines that contain the mercury-based preservative, thimerosal. In their latest report, the IOM Committee concludes, "The body of epidemiological evidence favors the rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism." This statement represents a significant change from the Committee's finding in their 2001 report, which called such a causal relationship, "biologically plausible." The Committee based its final conclusions on their review of approximately 10 previously conducted epidemiological studies. Of those roughly 10 studies, 5 reported probable links between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism, yet those 5 were summarily dismissed because the Committee determined the manner in which they were conducted was flawed.

For more information regarding Chairman Burton's ongoing autism investigation, or to see previous hearing resource materials, please visit the Subcommittee's website at www.reform.house.gov/WHR.